The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its free “ACCC Shopper app” for Apple and Android smart phones and tablets to provide instant advice for consumers while they are shopping this Christmas.

“Simple disputes over returns, refunds or replacements often leave shoppers confused about their rights. The ACCC Shopper app will help to take the worry out of Christmas shopping,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

The app answers commonly asked questions about refunds, returns, warranties, and lay-buys, such as ‘What do I do if a product is faulty?’ and ‘What happens if I don’t have a receipt?’.

The app will allow consumers to store photographs of receipts as proof of purchase on their Smartphone or tablet at the point of sale.

Ms Rickard said that the Australian Consumer Law provides strong protection against faulty products outside of the retailer’s “warranty period,” and the app advises consumer’s on their rights.

The ACCC Shopper app also has a ‘My items’ feature which allows consumers to set reminders for when lay-buys are due and the expiry date for warranties and gift vouchers.

In addition, the app explains many common labelling terms like ‘Made in Australia’ and ‘Extra Virgin olive oil’.

“Consumers often rely upon Country of Origin labels or credence claims such as Extra Virgin when shopping. The ACCC Shopper app will help consumers understand these terms to ensure that they get what they intend to buy,” Ms Rickard said.

The free ACCC Shopper app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Android Market by searching for ‘ACCC Shopper’.